The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025, conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), is one of the most prestigious and competitive entrance exams in India for admission into top-tier MBA and PhD programmes.
The CAT 2025 online application form is the first and most crucial step in the journey to securing a seat in one of the 21 IIMs or other elite B-schools across India.
This article provides a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on everything you need to know about the IIM CAT 2025 online application form, including important dates, eligibility criteria, registration process, documents required, application fees, and tips for successful submission.
More Read: IGNOU July 2025 Re-Registration: Apply Online Now
📌 Overview of CAT 2025
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national-level management entrance exam conducted by the IIMs on a rotational basis. In 2025, the exam will be organized by IIM Kozhikode and is scheduled to take place on Sunday, November 30, 2025.
Key Highlights:
- Exam Name: Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025
- Organizing IIM: IIM Kozhikode
- Exam Date: Sunday, November 30, 2025
- Mode of Exam: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Exam Sessions: Three
- Application Mode: Online only
- Official Website: www.iimcat.ac.in
📅 CAT 2025 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Release of CAT 2025 Notification | July 28, 2025 |
| Start of Online Registration | August 1, 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | September 15, 2025 |
| Application Form Correction Window | September 25–28, 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | October 24, 2025 |
| CAT 2025 Exam Date | November 30, 2025 |
| Result Declaration | January 2026 (tentative) |
🧾 CAT 2025 Eligibility Criteria
Before filling out the CAT 2025 online application form, candidates must ensure they meet the following eligibility criteria:
✅ Educational Qualification:
- A Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD) or equivalent CGPA from a recognized university.
- Final-year students of bachelor’s degree programs are also eligible, provided they complete their degree by June 2026.
✅ Age Limit:
- There is no age limit to apply for CAT 2025.
✅ Number of Attempts:
- There is no restriction on the number of attempts.
📝 How to Fill CAT 2025 Online Application Form?
Filling the CAT 2025 online form is a simple, three-step process: Registration, Filling Application Form, and Fee Payment. Below is a detailed step-by-step guide:
🔹 Step 1: Online Registration
- Visit the official CAT 2025 website – www.iimcat.ac.in
- Click on “Register” under the New Candidate Registration section.
- Enter the following details:
- Name (as per official documents)
- Date of Birth
- Email ID
- Mobile Number
- Country
- You’ll receive a User ID and Password via email/SMS.
🔹 Step 2: Fill Application Form
- Log in with the credentials sent to your registered email.
- Fill in the following sections:
- Personal Details (name, address, gender, category, PwD status)
- Academic Details (Class 10, 12, Graduation, Post-graduation if any)
- Work Experience (if applicable)
- Programmes (select IIMs and their preferred interview cities)
- Exam Cities (select 6 test cities in order of preference)
- Upload scanned copies of:
- Passport-sized photograph (within 80KB, 30mm x 45mm)
- Signature (within 80KB, 80mm x 35mm)
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
- PwD Certificate (if applicable)
🔹 Step 3: Pay Application Fee
Use debit card, credit card, net banking, UPI, or wallet to pay the non-refundable application fee.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General/OBC | ₹2,400 |
| SC/ST/PwD | ₹1,200 |
After successful payment, a confirmation email will be sent. Make sure to save or print the final submitted form and fee receipt.
📤 CAT 2025 Application Correction Window
After the registration period ends, IIM Kozhikode will open a form correction window where registered candidates can edit specific fields:
Editable Fields:
- Photograph
- Signature
- Test City Preference
Note: Other details like name, email ID, phone number, etc., cannot be changed after submission. So, double-check your entries before final submission.
📚 Documents Required for CAT 2025 Online Form
Before starting the registration, keep the following documents and details ready:
- Scanned passport-size photo (white background)
- Scanned signature
- Class 10, 12, and graduation mark sheets
- Caste certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL), if applicable
- PwD certificate, if applicable
- Valid government ID proof (Aadhaar/PAN/Voter ID/etc.)
- Debit/credit card or internet banking details
🏫 IIMs & Institutes Accepting CAT 2025 Score
The CAT 2025 score will be accepted by:
🔹 21 IIMs, including:
- IIM Ahmedabad
- IIM Bangalore
- IIM Calcutta
- IIM Lucknow
- IIM Kozhikode
- IIM Indore
- IIM Shillong
- IIM Rohtak
- IIM Raipur
- IIM Udaipur
- IIM Trichy
- IIM Kashipur
- And more…
🔹 Other Top B-Schools:
- FMS Delhi
- MDI Gurgaon
- SPJIMR Mumbai
- IMT Ghaziabad
- IITs (DoMS)
- NITIE Mumbai (now IIM Mumbai)
- TAPMI, XIMB, and more
📈 CAT 2025 Exam Pattern (Expected)
| Section | Questions | Duration | Time/Section |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24-26 | 40 mins | 40 mins |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 20-22 | 40 mins | 40 mins |
| Quantitative Ability (QA) | 22-24 | 40 mins | 40 mins |
| Total | ~66 | 120 mins | 3 hours |
Marking Scheme:
- +3 for correct answer
- –1 for incorrect (MCQs only)
- No negative marking for non-MCQs (TITA)
💡 Tips for Filling CAT 2025 Online Application Form
- Use a desktop/laptop: Avoid filling the form on a mobile device.
- Use a reliable browser: Chrome or Firefox (updated versions) recommended.
- Keep documents handy: Scanned images should be in the correct size and format.
- Cross-check all details: Once submitted, most fields cannot be changed.
- Avoid last-minute registration: High server load may cause delays or errors.
- Use a valid and personal email ID and mobile number: All communication will be sent to the registered contacts only.
Frequently Asked Question
When will the CAT 2025 online application form be released?
The CAT 2025 online application form will be released on August 1, 2025 on the official website iimcat.ac.in. Candidates must register and complete the form before the last date.
What is the last date to submit the CAT 2025 application form?
The last date to submit the CAT 2025 online form is September 15, 2025. Late submissions will not be accepted under any circumstances.
How can I fill the CAT 2025 online application form?
The form can be completed in three steps:
- Registration – Create a login with email and mobile number.
- Fill Application Form – Enter personal, academic, and work experience details, select exam cities, and upload scanned documents.
- Payment of Fee – Pay the non-refundable application fee online through debit/credit card, net banking, or UPI.
What is the application fee for CAT 2025?
The application fee for CAT 2025 is:
- General/OBC – ₹2,400
- SC/ST/PwD – ₹1,200
The fee is non-refundable, so ensure all details are correct before submission.
What documents are required to fill the CAT 2025 form?
Candidates need:
- Passport-sized photograph
- Signature
- Class 10, 12, and graduation mark sheets
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
- PwD certificate (if applicable)
- Valid government ID proof
Can I make corrections after submitting the CAT 2025 online form?
Yes, a limited correction window will be available from September 25–28, 2025. During this period, candidates can edit certain fields such as:
- Photograph
- Signature
- Test city preferences
Other details, like name or email ID, cannot be changed.
Is work experience mandatory to fill the CAT 2025 form?
No, work experience is not mandatory. Fresh graduates and candidates without prior work experience can also apply for CAT 2025.
Conclusion
The CAT 2025 online application form is your gateway to some of the best management institutes in India. With the competition rising every year, timely and error-free registration is essential. Stay updated with official announcements on iimcat.ac.in
and don’t wait until the last minute to apply. Whether you’re a fresh graduate, a working professional, or someone aiming to crack CAT again, begin your preparation early and ensure that your application form is filled with complete accuracy.